Karianne Kapfer

Since I was four years old, I have been obsessed with aquatic life, and much of my childhood was spent watching aquatic documentaries soaking in everything I could about the marine mammals and fish of the world. This passion led me to a marine biology-based middle school, a STEM high school, and to pursue an undergraduate degree in marine biology.

During my undergraduate studies, I took a course on marine mammals with Dr. Athena Rycyk, who introduced me to the field of aquatic bioacoustics. Under her mentorship, I worked as a research assistant on the first scientific study of African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) acoustic behavior and completed my honors thesis “Using Acoustic Data to Determine the Seasonality of Humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), Blue (Balaenoptera musculus), Fin (Balaenoptera physalus), Sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), and Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) Determined by Passive Acoustic Monitoring near Barkley Canyon”.

Inspired by this experience, I applied to Cornell University to work under the direction of Dr. Aaron Rice. My Master’s thesis, “Ecological Correlates of Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) Chorusing in the Western North Atlantic Ocean,” provided the first large-scale spatial analysis of the chorusing phenology of a widely distributed fish across much of its coastal range since Fine 1978 and provided new insights into black drum spawning behavior. Now as a PhD student my research focuses on the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), specifically investigating their distribution, upcall variation across key sites, and the ecological correlates influencing their distribution. By examining their shifting distribution patterns and the reason behind these shifts, I aim to enhance scientific understanding of their presence, which is crucial for effective conservation and management of the species. I also hope that, as a scientific community, we can use the variation of upcalls to help distinguish them from humpback calls and build upon the distinctions observed, but never published, by former Yang Center staff member Peter Dugan.

In addition to my research, I am deeply committed to community outreach, promoting STEAM education, and continuously enhancing my scientific communication skills. I also prioritize advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with a special focus on supporting individuals who are disabled and/or neurodivergent. In line with this dedication, I have partnered with Patrick Chaopricha, creator of Swift Tiny, to leverage the Swift Tiny to provide equitable low-cost STEAM opportunities to underrepresented K-8 students in engineering.

When I am not in the lab or talking to local children about science, I can be found around town looking for the best iced mocha and americano (So far, Temple of Zeus is winning on both counts).

Below is the upcall of a North Atlantic Right Whale: